Glasgow Coma Scale

The Glasgow coma scale is used to assess patients in a coma. The initial score correlates with the severity of brain injury and prognosis. The Glasgow Coma Scale provides a score in the range 3-15; patients with scores of 3-8 are usually said to be in a coma.

What the Score Means

Maximum score is 15 which has the best prognosis
Minimum score is 3 which has the worst prognosis
Scores of 8 or above have a good chance for recovery
Scores of 3-5 are potentially fatal, especially if accompanied by fixed pupils or absent oculovestibular responses
Young children may be nonverbal, requiring a modification of the coma scale for evaluation

For Adults

Eye Opening Response

Spontaneous–open with blinking at baseline
Opens to verbal command, speech, or shout
Opens to pain, not applied to face
None